What is the Frequency for Unity Loop Gain in Low-Pass Amplifier with Feedback?

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The discussion focuses on determining the frequency at which the loop gain of a low-pass amplifier with feedback equals unity, using a Bode plot. The initial attempt identified a frequency of approximately 1500 Hz, but this was marked incorrect. The correct approach involves recognizing that loop gain is defined as Aβ, and for a feedback fraction of β=0.1, the gain must equal 10 (or 20 dB) to achieve unity loop gain. The correct frequency for this gain is identified as 500 Hz, highlighting the distinction between loop gain and closed loop gain. Clarifications about the mathematical expressions used in the analysis were also discussed.
roam
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Homework Statement



I need some help with the following problem (it is from an old test paper).

Below is the Bode plot of the open loop gain of an amplifier:

2uhy5au.jpg


A constant fraction β=0.1 of the output is fed back to the input. This feedback does not load the amplifier.

Using the Bode plot determine the frequency for which the magnitude of the loop gain of this circuit is equal to unity.

The Attempt at a Solution



Clearly looking at the first graph ##|A|_{dB} = 1## at around ##1500 \ Hz##. I've marked this with a pen on the graph. But my answer was marked as incorrect. Why is that?

Clearly the graph touches 1 dB roughly at ##f = 1500 \ Hz##. So why is my answer wrong? :confused:

Any help is greatly appreciated.

P.S. The value of the amplifier's closed loop gain at DC was calculated to be -9.1.
 

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If loop gain is defined as A.β
and you are told β=0.1, then you are looking for f where A=10

(I like to write this as 10 volts/volt, whatever, as a reminder it is not 10 dB)

So, how many dB gain are you looking for?

NOTE: 'loop gain' is quite different to 'closed loop gain'. Can you distinguish the difference?
 
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Thank you so much for your response.

So, in decibel it is ##|A|_{dB}=20 \ log_{10} 10 = 20 \ dB##, therefore the frequency would be @ f=500 Hz. Is that right??

Yes, I distinguish the difference, loop gain is Aβ whereas closed loop gain is ##A(s)/1-A(s) \beta (s)##.
 
roam said:
Thank you so much for your response.

So, in decibel it is ##|A|_{dB}=20 \ log_{10} 10 = 20 \ dB##, therefore the frequency would be @ f=500 Hz. Is that right??
That should be right.


Yes, I distinguish the difference, loop gain is Aβ whereas closed loop gain is ##A(s)/1-A(s) \beta (s)##.
I would mark that last expression wrong, because it is missing an essential set of parentheses. :frown:
 
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I meant ##A(s)/[1-A(s) \beta (s)]##. Thank you very much.
 

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